The New York Yankees earned the most spots, but possibly got the biggest snub Sunday afternoon during Major League Baseball announcements of the 2011 MLB All-Star Game rosters. Second basemen Robinson Cano, third basemen Alex Rodriguez, shortstop Derek Jeter and outfielder Curtis Granderson each earned starting spots, which were voted on by the fans, for the American League squad. However, starting pitcher C.C. Sabathia was left off the 34-man roster and, currently, will not play in the All-Star Game, which will be played July 12 at Chase Field in Phoenix, AZ.
Cano, who has been stellar in the first half of 2011, will be making his second straight start at second base for the AL team. Jeter, who is currently on the 15-day disable list and is set to return Monday, will play in his 12th All-Star Game and make his seventh straight start. Rodriguez is making his 14th All-Star Game appearance -- a mark which ties him for the most for any active player (Ivan Rodriguez also has 14). Granderson, who has the third-most home runs (22) in the major leagues, will make his first All-Star Game start. On the bench, will be Yankee catcher Russell Martin, while closer Mariano Rivera (12th All-Star selection) will be in the bullpen.
Of course, there will be two Yankee-based storylines that will be created from the roster announcements. The first story: How is Jeter considered a starter by the fans? Story No. 2: How is Sabathia, who's one of the best pitchers in the majors right now, not even on the roster?
I am sure as we get closer to the All-Star Game these storys will be talked about and dissected from every angle. For right now, here's the starting lineup for the AL:
1B: Adrian Gonzalez, Red Sox
2B: Robinson Cano, Yankees
3B: Alex Rodriguez, Yankees
SS: Derek Jeter, Yankees
OF: Jose Bautista, Blue Jays
OF: Curtis Granderson, Yankees
OF: Josh Hamilton, Rangers
DH: David Ortiz, Red Sox
C: Alex Avila, Tigers
The AL reserves looks like this:
Position Players: Matt Wieters (C, Baltimore Orioles), Jacoby Ellsbury (OF, Boston Red Sox), Carlos Quentin (OF, Chicago White Sox), Asdrubal Cabrera (SS, Cleveland Indians), Miguel Cabrera (1B, Detroit Tigers), Howie Kendrick (2B, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim), Michael Cuddyer (OF, Minnesota Twins), Russell Martin (C, New York Yankees), Matt Joyce (OF, Tampa Bay Rays), Adrian Beltre (3B, Texas Rangers), Michael Young (IF, Texas Rangers).
Pitchers: Chris Perez (RP, Cleveland Indians), Jose Valverde (RP, Detroit Tigers), Aaron Crow (RP, Kansas City Royals), Josh Beckett (SP, Boston Red Sox), Mariano Rivera (RP, New York Yankees), Gio Gonzalez (SP, Oakland Athletics), Felix Hernandez (SP, Seattle Mariners), Justin Verlander (SP, Detroit Tigers), Brandon League (RP, Seattle Mariners), David Price (SP, Tampa Bay Rays), James Shields (SP, Tampa Bay Rays), Jered Weaver (SP, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim), C.J. Wilson (SP, Texas Rangers).
For the latest on the 2011 MLB All-Star Game voting, including voting results and analysis of the best and worst selections and All-Star snubs, stay with this StoryStream.